July is considered the clearest month for observing the Milky Way in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Many head to the same location—Al Quaa, situated about 100 km southeast of Abu Dhabi. This location is known as the darkest point in the country and is marked with a special tag on Google Maps.
The sky over Al Quaa can be viewed at two completely different price points: free if you drive yourself, or between 400 and 2000 dirhams for an organized tour. The stars themselves remain the same; the difference lies in the additional services provided.
Any regular car can drive to the parking area near the highway. The journey takes about 90 minutes from Abu Dhabi and closer to three hours from Dubai. The best time to observe the galaxy's core is from 9:00 PM to 3:00 AM, and a telescope is not required.
When choosing the free route, preparation is necessary: download maps for offline use, as mobile reception is unreliable, fill up the tank, and bring enough water and food. There are no toilets, shops, or electricity at the site. It is important to plan the trip around the new moon, as moonlight can obscure the galaxy, and one should stay away from light sources by heading into the sand. A sky map application aimed at Scorpio in the southeast can help determine the viewing point.
Organized trips have turned Al Quaa into a small summer business. Overnight packages cost from 400 to 450 dirhams per person and include tents, barbecue dinner, breakfast, and portable toilets. Group stays offer guide services with a professional telescope, and transportation costs an additional about 200 dirhams. Private options can reach 2000 dirhams for a vehicle transfer from the hotel. The main difference in these tours is not only the food but also the presence of a telescope, a guide who turns the faint band of light into a story, and a sense of safety in the desert at night.
Nadia Ahmed believes that for her, mathematics is simple: 'I always prefer to travel in a group and pay to fully experience it without exhaustion,' she says. 'The more you pay, the better the service, especially in isolated areas where the setup itself requires great effort. You buy your comfort with money.' On the other hand, Ahmed Nasser prefers to do everything himself, relying on years of experience traveling desert routes, camping, and the risks of remote areas. He argues that doing everything by hand satisfies his desire for adventure as a solo tourist.
Lulu Salem occupies a middle ground: group trips are important to her for safety, but she also aims to stay within budget. She notes: 'I would prefer not to pay large sums to feel like I'm sitting in my own living room. The point is to step out of your comfort zone.'
Regardless of the chosen option, never go into the desert alone. Hassan Al-Hariri, CEO of Dubai Astronomy Group, previously warned that deserts are never truly empty, as scorpions, snakes, foxes, and wolves are active at night. It is necessary to inform someone of your route and return time, travel in a group, use only licensed operators, and check the lunar calendar in advance. No package can compare to a full moon.
According to data from the Emirates Astronomical Society, the hottest and driest period of the year in the United Arab Emirates, known as 'Jamrat Al Qayth' (the peak of summer heat), starts on July 3 and will last until August 10. This period marks the most intense phase of summer both in the UAE and on the Arabian Peninsula.
Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Astronomical Society and a member of the Arab Union of Astronomy and Space Sciences, told Khaleej Times that 'Jamrat Al Qayth' begins with the rising of the first stars of the Gemini constellation over the eastern horizon until dawn.
During this time, daytime temperatures in coastal areas usually range between 41°C and 43°C, while in inland and desert areas, temperatures often exceed 45°C and 46°C. During heatwaves, temperatures in some inland areas can reach over 50°C.
Al Jarwan explained that this 40-day period represents the culmination of the traditional summer season and is historically associated with the harshest heat conditions and the driest weather in the region. He specified that traditional summer on the Arabian Peninsula is divided into three stages. The first begins with the appearance of the Pleiades star cluster, the second and strongest stage is 'Jamrat Al Qayth', marked by the rising of the Gemini stars, and the final stage occurs with the appearance of the star Suhail, which brings a period of high humidity that locals call 'Kattat Al Suhail.'
He noted that 'Jamrat Al Qayth' is characterized by extreme heat, dryness, and the spread of hot, dry desert winds known as 'samum'. According to Al Jarwan, the frequency of heatwaves during this period varies from year to year, with some summers experiencing more intense thermal events than others. He added that temperatures exceeding seasonal averages by approximately four degrees are usually classified as heatwaves.
Furthermore, he drew attention to the effect of direct sunlight on exposed surfaces, pointing out that metal objects and vehicles left under the sun for extended periods can heat up to 70°C. At the end of the 'Jamrat Al Qayth' season, the increase in humidity coming from the Arabian Sea due to trade winds can enhance atmospheric uplift over the Hajar Mountains, contributing to the formation of convective clouds. This period is also associated with the occurrence of mirages, dust waves, and localized weather activity, especially in mountainous areas.
